"Ethical" question about CRT monitors

I understand why my state has licensure and training requirements for people who want to break down certain appliances for recycling, but what if I remove the covers of monitors and carefully strip out the easy to get to copper; then put it back together again and bring it to Staples or Best Buy for recycling? Other than not following state law, are there other things I should take into consideration if I decide to do this?

Thanks for asking, yes you can do that. I usually just process them, recycle the plastic and throw the tube away. Our landfill is permitted for certain types of hazardous waste including asbestos.

If it gets to the proper outlet after you have removed the copper I see no harm. They take the monitors without any restrictions.